Re: 318ti rear caliper rebuild kit (Tischer BMW)

[Ron Katona <ron3b@xxxxxxxx>]

Neil Maller wrote:
> Did the delaler say why he can't get them?
> 
> What you need is:
> Repair set, brake caliper, P/N 34 21 1 160 336
> 
> which according to the parts CD consists of the piston seal, dust boot, 
> and a circlip.

Thanks. And thanks to Dave Apker and Michael Wendell for their replies
as well.

Actually, he (service manager Mike something) didn't say he couldn't
_ever_ get them, just that he can't get them right now for some reason.
Why..? I don't know. He may have been BSing me to some extent, but I
have to put this in perspective for ya'll.

I brought the car in with 35,750 miles and one green light left on the
SIs for Insp. II. I listed the boots as well as some other minor stuff
as warranty claims. I doubt the green light would have gone out before
the 36k mile free maintenance period expired. The most expensive item
was a new steering wheel ($597!); the leather had worn away at the 9
o'clock position.

They did the insp II and replaced the wheel under warranty/free
maintenance/good will without asking any questions. He balked at the
brakes stating it looked like it was caused by track usage. He's right.
I was _very_ pleased about the $1200 (retail) worth of warranty/free
stuff I got, so I wasn't about to argue since track use is not covered
under warranty. I think they were completely reasonable about this.

Maybe he could have gotten the kits, maybe not. I suppose he's shy about
replacing them and then having me come back in two months trying to scam
new ones under a replacement parts warranty. I've been completely
upfront about the track/autocross use since the car was new, and they've
treated me well. He basically chuckled about the mods on the car and
never implied that any claims other than those directly caused by track
usage would be denied. I know some people have gotten the run around on
this with other dealers. I highly recommend Tischer BMW in Silver Spring
for maintenance if you have a new BMW under the warranty/free
maintenance period. Now I hope I don't get them in to trouble if BMW NA
is lurking! HEY GUYS - this is the way all BMW dealerships should be -
I'll gladly purchase another BMW from Tischer and gladly have them
maintain it!

Then again, maybe he knew this is an easy job that I could save money on
by doing myself since he wasn't going to warranty it. In any case, I'll
order the parts and have a go at it.

BTW, the front brakes were upgraded with E36 325 parts and recently
rebuilt, so they lasted just fine.
- --
Ron Katona

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